Dental Cost frustation

[jaboy55]

Thought I had "good dental coverage". My yearly max was $4,000 a year. Recently went to the dentist who referred me to the endodontist and the result was that I needed to have three root canals done. I successfully did all 3 root canals.

So I went back to my regular dentist to make an appointment and they check my insurance and saw that my yearly max of $4,000 of almost entirely used up by the three root canals and I only have $70 left for the year. The new year begins January 1st. I called to insurance company and they gave me a breakdown of the charges by the endodontist which was close to the $4,000.

Of course, I am shock and disappoint because now, I have to get 3 crowns and there is no money in my dental insurance coverage to pay for. When I spoke to my regular dentist, he said the my out of pocket cost for the 3 crowns(since there is no money left in my insurance plan) is $4,300 which is the discounted rate they would normally bill to my insurance company.

I don't have that type of money to pay for 3 crowns and I don't think it would be safe to leave my teeth like this until January when the new insurance year kicks. in.

What are my options.?

I heard that there are some dental schools with dentist in training that may charge a discounted rate?

Any other suggestions? I am desperate.

Thanks

 

[MattKW]

I don't know about dental schools in the US. You might ask your dentist to stabilise your teeth to prevent fracturing until Jan 1st. The simplest way is to place orthodontic bands.